Oceanário de Lisboa
Large public aquarium in the Parque das Nações, opened for Expo 98, with a route devoted to the world's oceans.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Oceanário de Lisboa, initially called the Pavilhão dos Oceanos, was built for Expo 98, the last world exhibition of the 20th century, whose theme was “The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future”. It opened on 22 May 1998 on the site of the former Cabo Ruivo seaplane terminal. The conceptual, architectural and exhibition design is by the American architect Peter Chermayeff, and the pavilion, set on a quay surrounded by water, resembles an aircraft carrier.
In April 2011 the “Edifício do Mar”, designed by the architect Pedro Campos Costa, opened and completed the expansion project. The new building houses a temporary exhibition area, the reception with the ticket offices, an auditorium and a restaurant.
The Oceanário is a public aquarium and, at the same time, a research institution in marine biology and oceanography. It has an extensive collection of species, including birds, mammals, fish and other marine animals, and maintains partnerships with institutions and universities. Besides the visit to the route, it offers guided tours, school programmes, birthday parties and a night-time experience for families.
Highlights
- Large central aquarium with the world's oceans
- Collection of birds, mammals, fish and other marine animals
- Edifício do Mar, from 2011, with temporary exhibitions
- Guided tours behind the scenes
- “Dormir com Tubarões” (Sleeping with Sharks) experience
- Founded
- 1998
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €25.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €15.50Children aged 3 to 12 (from €15.50) and seniors over 65 (from €17.70); an identity document may be requested. |
| Children & teens | €15.50free up to age 2 · Ages 3 to 12; lowest price band from 16:00 to 18:30. Children up to age 2 do not pay. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Seniors | €17.70Over 65s; lowest price band from 16:00 to 18:30. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission with a declared disability of 60% or more, on presentation of a multi-purpose medical certificate at the physical ticket office on the day of the visit; one companion receives 60% off. |
| Oceanário and cable car (return), adult | €33.90 |
| Behind-the-scenes guided tour, adult | €40 |
| Dormir com Tubarões (from age 4), per person | €60 |
| Annual membership | €80Unlimited entries and exclusive benefits. |
The price depends on the time of entry. Adults (13–64 years): €29.90 between 10:00 and 11:30, €27.70 between 12:00 and 15:30 and €25.50 between 16:00 and 18:30. Children (3–12 years): €17.70, €16.60 and €15.50. Seniors: €19.90, €18.80 and €17.70. Online purchases receive 10% off with the code ONLINE10.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The route meets European accessibility standards, with ramps and lifts for wheelchairs and prams. Pregnant women, people with babies in arms and people with reduced mobility receive priority service. To enter with a guide dog, the Oceanário must be contacted before the visit.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties
There are birthday parties for children aged 4 to 12 and the night-time experience “Dormir com Tubarões” from age 4. The toilets have nappy-changing facilities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Estação Oriente
Lisbon Metro, Red Line, Oriente station. Buses 705, 708, 725, 728, 744, 750, 759, 782 and 794.
By car
Parking available
Nearby car parks: Parque Oceanário (274 spaces), Parque da Doca (700), FIL (830), Torre Vasco da Gama (250) and Parque da Estação do Oriente (2,000).
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Lockers
#SeaTheFuture restaurant (10:00–19:00), Submerso restaurant (12:00–19:00), ZAFRA Coffee & Bar (09:00–18:00) and shop (10:00–20:00). Paid lockers on floor 0, in three sizes.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Flash and any artificial light are not permitted; selfie sticks are not allowed inside. |
| Good to know | Average visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Guided tours for groups, private visits, experiences for two and behind-the-scenes visits are available. Eating and drinking on the route are not permitted, nor are animals, balloons, scooters or bicycles, and touching the animals and plants is not allowed. |
